My journey into the world of skateboarding wasn’t exactly conventional. Growing up, I didn’t know a single skater, yet I somehow ended up marrying one. This led to an unexpected trip to Bordeaux, France, for the Connect skate-urbanism festival. Initially, I was more of a tag-along, a filmer for my husband’s skate videos, but little did I know, I was about to enter a world of intellectually stimulating ideas and a fresh perspective on our urban spaces. I packed for a stylish European getaway, anticipating fine wine and romantic cityscapes, but instead, I discovered the fascinating concept of skate-urbanism.
A skateboarder mid-air, set against an urban backdrop
Understanding Skate-Urbanism
Skate-urbanism is the collaborative effort between skateboarders and local governments to integrate skateboarding into urban environments. It’s about creating shared spaces that encourage community interaction and strengthen social bonds. Before Connect, my understanding of urbanism was limited to bike lanes and the issues of privately owned public spaces. I hadn’t considered skateboarding as a significant element in shaping how we use our public spaces, despite my husband being primarily a street skater. Seeing skate-urbanism in action in Bordeaux changed everything.
Bordeaux, a city that once issued around 1,000 tickets annually to skateboarders, has transformed into a model for integrating skateboarding. By recognizing the futility of the “cat and mouse” game, they began collaborating with skaters to create over 25 designated skate-friendly spaces. This shift in approach demonstrates a crucial understanding: skateboarders are not overrunning cities; they are simply using them. Bordeaux’s approach involved not just building skateparks, but also integrating skateable architecture into the existing urban environment, with input from the skaters themselves. This included installing signage indicating areas where skating is permitted, and designing spaces without “skatestoppers,” allowing for a more natural integration of skateboarding into the city’s fabric.
A wide shot of a skater performing a trick in a public space in Bordeaux
A slightly elevated view of a skater mid-trick in an urban area
Reclaiming Public Spaces
The conversations at Connect went beyond just providing places to skate; they focused on the safety and usage of public spaces. Often, underutilized or poorly designed areas become havens for undesirable behavior, making them unsafe, especially for women and children. Skateboarders, through their presence, inadvertently act as the first wave of reclaiming these spaces. They show up, they skate, and they socialize, creating a sense of community and making the area feel safer.
This phenomenon can be seen as a form of “skateboarding gentrification.” As skaters become regular fixtures in neglected areas, they attract attention and encourage other people to feel more comfortable using those spaces. As Neil Ellis from Skateboard GB noted, “Once an area feels safe for skateboarders, then others feel safe to visit and the knock-on effect is very powerful for an area that once felt scary to walk down.” This highlights the unexpected role that skateboarders play in fostering community and safety in urban areas, effectively turning spaces that were once seen as undesirable into vibrant, active parts of the city.
A skateboarder riding along a city street, with a blurred background
A ground-level perspective of a skater performing a trick in an urban environment
The Persistence of Skateboarders as Lobbyists
Skateboarders often face significant hurdles when trying to pursue their passion, including frequent tickets and a general lack of support from local authorities. However, their unwavering determination makes them surprisingly effective lobbyists for change. The mindset of a skateboarder, who repeatedly attempts difficult tricks despite constant setbacks, is the ideal mentality for advocating for the changes they desire.
This perseverance, often seen as stubbornness, is what enables them to engage in the long and complex process of community planning. The commitment required to perfect a skateboarding trick, with multiple attempts and continuous practice, mirrors the dedication and time required for successful community engagement. They approach the challenges with the same relentless spirit they apply to learning new tricks, and their involvement in urban planning demonstrates a commitment to their communities and a belief in the positive impact of skateboarding.
A skater focused on a trick, with urban surroundings in the background
A group of skaters in an urban environment, with one skater mid-jump
A Wife’s Perspective
As a “skate wife”, I’ve witnessed first-hand the passion that skateboarders have for their environment. Their keen attention to detail in urban landscapes often leads to “skate-DHD” walks, where my husband suddenly detours to analyze a random handrail. This level of engagement with the environment, coupled with a commitment to the details of urban spaces, makes the push for skate-urbanism even more logical.
While I may never be excited about handrails, I now understand the dedication that drives skateboarders to advocate for skate-friendly cities. The experience at Connect opened my eyes to the positive impact skateboarding can have on society. I went to Bordeaux expecting a vacation, but left with a deeper understanding of how skateboarding can contribute to community building and improve the functionality of our public spaces. This has led me to see skateboarding not just as a hobby, but as a force for positive change in urban environments.
A skater grinding on a ledge in an urban setting
A skateboarder in mid-air, with an urban backdrop
Conclusion
Skate-urbanism is more than just building skateparks; it’s about fostering a community-driven approach to urban development. It’s about recognizing the role that skateboarders play in creating safer and more vibrant public spaces. The lessons I learned at Connect have given me a new appreciation for the positive impact skateboarders can have on our cities and the power of their persistent spirit. While I won’t be kickflipping anytime soon, I’m inspired by their commitment to making our urban environments better.
